Match Preview & Squad Announcement – Essex Eagles v Kent Spitfires

The Kent Spitfires face a challenging Saturday afternoon test when they take on high flying Essex Eagles in a NatWest T20 Blast fixture as part of theColchester Cricket Festival. The ‘Battleof the Bridge’ encounter also marks the latest match of the Mike Denness Challenge Shield, whichEssexcurrently lead 2-1.

The Spitfires will be looking to avenge the home defeat they suffered at the hands of their local rivals earlier in their South Group qualifying campaign. On that day, an opening stand of 119 between Rob Key (62) and Daniel Bell-Drummond (48) looked to propel the hosts to a huge total but they were pegged back slightly by paceman Tymal Mills (3-41) as they posted what looked to be an imposing total of 189 for five. Darren Stevens then gave the Spitfires a massive boost in their bid to defend the total by bowling Mark Pettini in the first over. However a sublime, unbeaten 81 from Ravi Bopara saw the Eagles home with one over and six wickets to spare

Following Friday night's win over Sussex Sharks, Kent have named an unchanged 13-man squad for the trip to Colchester:

Rob Key (c), Adam Ball, Daniel Bell-Drummond, Sam Billings (w), Alex Blake, Mitch Claydon, Fabian Cowdrey, Charlie Hartley, Ben Harmison, Sam Northeast, Adam Riley, Darren Stevens, James Tredwell.

Play is due to begin at 2.30pm at Castle Park in Colchester on Saturday, 12th July 2014.